WDFW is requesting legislation in 2015 that will include a minor/small increase to recreational fishing licenses. The increases are:
-$1 increase on the combo fishing license
-$5 increase on non-resident fishing licenses including temporary
-$2 increase on all other resident fishing licenses
The projection is WDFW will receive an additional $2 million. WDFW plans to use that $2 million to fund:
-Salmon/Steelhead Productionon LCR and Coastal Rivers
-50% of an Enforcement Officer position for coastal/lower Columbia River recreational fisheries
-Ocean Recreational Sampling
-Recreational Coastal Advisory Group
-New Puget Sound Hatchery Production
-Long-Term Recreational Fishing Plans with Community
-Targeted Enhancements to hatcheries, access areas, seasons
-ESA Permitting Work
-Recreational State hatchery preventative maintenance
-Commercial Hatchery Maintenance included in Commercial Fees
-2 Enforcement Officers to ensure that recreational shellfish clam and oyster resources are adequately protected, and to ensure that recreationalists harvest in areas that are safe for consumption.
Poll
